Revelation 3:1
Verse
Context
To the Church in Sardis
1“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of the One who holds the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation for being alive, yet you are dead.2Wake up and strengthen what remains, which was about to die; for I have found your deeds incomplete in the sight of My God.
Sermons
Francis Chan
George Verwer
Shane Idleman
Carter Conlon
John Rhys Watkins
J. Glyn OwenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The seven Spirits, of God - See the note on Rev 1:4, Rev 1:16 (note), etc. Thou hast a name that thou livest - Ye have the reputation of Christians, and consequently of being alive to God, through the quickening influence of the Divine Spirit; but ye are dead - ye have not the life of God in your souls, ye have not walked consistently and steadily before God, and his Spirit has been grieved with you, and he has withdrawn much of his light and power.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write,.... Of the city of Sardis See Gill on Rev 1:11 when, and by whom this church was founded, and who was the present angel or pastor of it, is not now to be certainly known; however, here was a church in the "second" century, of which Melito was then pastor; and he is thought by some to be the angel here intended; this man wrote upon the book of the Revelation, and an apology for the Christians, sent to the Emperor Antoninus Verus, in whose time he lived (c); and in the "third" century a church remained in this place; and also in the "fourth", as appears from the council of Nice, which makes mention of it; and likewise in the "fifth", as is evident from the acts of the synod at Chalcedon, in which age it was the metropolitan church of the Lydians; and in the "sixth" century there was a bishop of this church in the fifth synod at Constantinople; and in the "seventh" century, Marinus bishop of Sardis assisted at the sixth synod in the same place; and in the "eighth" century, Euthymius bishop of it was present in the Nicene synod; and even in the "ninth" century mention is made of an archbishop of Sardis (d): but now there are but very few Christians to be found here, and who have not a place to worship in, nor any to minister to them (e). This church represents the state of the church from the time of the Reformation by Luther and others, until a more glorious state of the church appears, or until the spiritual reign of Christ in the Philadelphian period; under the Sardian church state we now are: (this was published in 1747, Ed.) that this church is an emblem of the reformed churches from Popery, is evident not only from its following the Thyatirian state, which expresses the darkness of Popery, and the depths of Satan in it; but from its being clear of Balaam, and those that held his doctrine; and from the Nicolaitans and their tenets, and from Jezebel, and those that committed adultery with her; things which the two former churches are charged with; but from these the present church reformed. This city of Sardis was once a very flourishing and opulent city; it was the metropolis of Lydia, and the royal seat of the rich King Croesus, though now a very poor and mean village; and may denote the magnificence and splendour of this church state, at least in name and figure, it has appeared in, in the world; though now in a very low and mean condition, and may be worse before the spiritual reign of Christ begins in the next period: there may be some allusion in the name of this church to the precious stone "sarda", which, Pliny says (f), was found about Sardis, and had its name from hence; the same with the Sardian stone in Rev 4:2. This stone, naturalists say (g), drives away fear, gives boldness, cheerfulness, and sharpness of wit, and frees from witchcrafts and sorceries; which may be expressive of the boldness and courage of the first reformers; of the cheerfulness, joy, and pleasure, which appeared in their countenances, and which they spread in others by preaching the doctrines of the Gospel; and of those excellent gifts and talents both of nature, learning, and grace, by which they were fitted for their service; and of their being a means of delivering men from the witchcrafts of Jezebel, and the sorceries of the whore of Rome: and perhaps some allusion may be in this name, as is thought by Cocceius, to the Hebrew word "sarid", which signifies a "remnant", since in this church state there was a remnant according to the election of grace, a few names, whose garments were undefiled; or to the word "sered", which signifies a carpenter's rule or line; since the first reformers were endeavouring to bring every doctrine and practice to the rule and line of God's word: these things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God; the fulness and perfection of the gifts and graces of the Spirit of God, as in Rev 1:4, which Christ, as Mediator, has without measure, and are at his dispose, and which he, having received for men, gives unto them; and at the time of the Reformation bestowed them on many eminent servants of his in a very plenteous manner; for which reason he assumes this character in writing to this church: and the seven stars; the ministers of the Gospel; see Gill on Rev 1:16, Rev 2:1; these were filled by Christ at this time with evangelical light and knowledge; and were sent, and held forth by him as lights in the world; and were instruments in his hand for great good; and were wonderfully held, kept, and preserved by him, notwithstanding the greatness of their work, their weakness in themselves, and the power, rage, and fury of the antichristian party; Luther is a remarkable instance of this: Christ's making use of the same title here as in the epistle to the church at Ephesus, which represents the apostolic church, may show that this church state bore some degree of likeness to that, and that it was a sort of renewing of it: I know thy works; good works chiefly; the nature and imperfection of them; and also bad works: that thou hast a name that thou livest: the reformed churches have had a name for spiritual living, by faith on Christ's righteousness only for justification, that article being the great article of the Reformation: there was in them an appearance of liveliness, by their zeal for Gospel doctrine and worship, and a form of living according to godliness; they were esteemed, were celebrated, and famous for these things, especially for living by faith on Christ's righteousness: and art dead; or "but art dead"; for, the most part, or greater part of the members of these churches, are dead in trespasses and sins; and as for the rest, they are very dead and lifeless in their frames, in the exercise of grace, and in the discharge of duties; and under great spiritual declensions and decays, just as it were ready to die; and but few really alive in a spiritual sense, and especially lively, or in the lively exercise of grace, and fervent discharge of duty; yea, dead as to those things in which they had a name to live: and this seems to be our case now, who, it is to be hoped, are at, or towards the close of this period, (c) Euseb. Eccl. Hist. l. 4. c. 13. 26. & l. 5. c. 24. (d) Hist. Eccl. Magdeburg. cent. 3. c. 2. p. 3. cent. 4. c. 2. p. 3. cent. 5. c. 2. p. 3. c. 7. p. 418. cent. 6. c. 2. p. 4. cent. 7. c. 2. p. 3. c. 10. p. 254. cent. 8. c. 2. p. 4. cent. 9. c. 3. p. 3. (e) Smith. Notitia, p. 138. (f) Nat. Hist. l. 37. c. 7. Albert. Magn. de Reb. Metall. l. 2. c. 17. (g) Ruaeus de Gemmis, l. 2. c. 6. Albert. Magn. de Rebus Metall. l. 2. c. 17. Schroder. Pharmacopoeia, l. 3. c. 5. p. 18.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, I. The preface, showing, 1. To whom this letter is directed: To the angel of the church of Sardis, an ancient city of Lydia, on the banks of the mountain Tmolus, said to have been the chief city of Asia the Less, and the first city in that part of the world that was converted by the preaching of John; and, some say, the first that revolted from Christianity, and one of the first that was laid in its ruins, in which it still lies, without any church or ministry. 2. By whom this message was sent - the Lord Jesus, who here assumes the character of him that hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars, taken out of Rev 1:4, where the seven spirits are said to be before the throne. (1.) He hath the seven spirits, that is, the Holy Spirit with his various powers, graces, and operations; for he is personally one, though efficaciously various, and may be said here to be seven, which is the number of the churches, and of the angels of the churches, to show that to every minister, and to every church, there is a dispensation and measure of the Spirit given for them to profit withal - a stock of spiritual influence for that minister and church to improve, both for enlargement and continuance, which measure of the Spirit is not ordinarily withdrawn from them, till they forfeit it by misimprovement. Churches have their spiritual stock and fund, as well as particular believers; and, this epistle being sent to a languishing ministry and church, they are very fitly put in mind that Christ has the seven spirits, the Spirit without measure and in perfection, to whom they may apply themselves for the reviving of his work among them. (2.) He hath the seven stars, the angels of the churches; they are disposed of by him, and accountable to him, which should make them faithful and zealous. He has ministers to employ, and spiritual influences to communicate to his ministers for the good of his church. The Holy Spirit usually works by the ministry, and the ministry will be of no efficacy without the Spirit; the same divine hand holds them both. II. The body of this epistle. There is this observable in it, that whereas in the other epistles Christ begins with commending what is good in the churches, and then proceeds to tell them what is amiss, in this (and in the epistle to Laodicea) he begins, 1. With a reproof, and a very severe one: I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Hypocrisy, and a lamentable decay in religion, are the sins charged upon this church, by one who knew her well, and all her works. (1.) This church had gained a great reputation; it had a name, and a very honourable one, for a flourishing church, a name for vital lively religion, for purity of doctrine, unity among themselves, uniformity in worship, decency, and order. We read not of any unhappy divisions among themselves. Every thing appeared well, as to what falls under the observation of men. (2.) This church was not really what it was reputed to be. They had a name to live, but they were dead; there was a form of godliness, but not the power, a name to live, but not a principle of life. If there was not a total privation of life, yet there was a great deadness in their souls and in their services, a great deadness in the spirits of their ministers, and a great deadness in their ministrations, in their praying, in their preaching, in their converse, and a great deadness in the people in hearing, in prayer, and in conversation; what little life was yet left among them was, in a manner, expiring, ready to die. 2. Our Lord proceeds to give this degenerate church the best advice: Be watchful, and strengthen the things, etc., Rev 3:2. (1.) He advises them to be upon their watch. The cause of their sinful deadness and declension was that they had let down their watch. Whenever we are off our watch, we lose ground, and therefore must return to our watchfulness against sin, and Satan, and whatever is destructive to the life and power of godliness. (2.) To strengthen the things that remain, and that are ready to die. Some understand this of persons; there were some few who had retained their integrity, but they were in danger of declining with the rest. It is a difficult thing to keep up to the life and power of godliness ourselves, when we see a universal deadness and declension prevailing round about us. Or it may be understood of practices, as it follows: I have not found thy works perfect before God, not filled up; there is something wanting in them; there is the shell, but not the kernel; there is the carcase, but not the soul - the shadow, but not the substance. The inward thing is wanting, thy works are hollow and empty; prayers are not filled up with holy desires, alms-deeds not filled up with true charity, sabbaths not filled up with suitable devotion of soul to God; there are not inward affections suitable to outward acts and expressions. Now when the spirit is wanting the form cannot long subsist. (3.) To recollect themselves, and remember how they have received and heard (Rev 3:3); not only to remember what they had received and heard, what messages they had received from God, what tokens of his mercy and favour towards them, what sermons they had heard, but how they had received and heard, what impressions the mercies of God had made upon their souls at first, what affections they felt working under their word and ordinances, the love of their espousals, the kindness of their youth, how welcome the gospel and the grace of God were to them when they first received them. Where is the blessedness they then spoke of? (4.) To hold fast what they had received, that they might not lose all, and repent sincerely that they had lost so much of the life of religion, and had run the risk of losing all. 3. Christ enforces his counsel with a dreadful threatening in case it should be despised: I will come unto thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know the hour, Rev 3:3. Observe, (1.) When Christ leaves a people as to his gracious presence, he comes to them in judgment; and his judicial presence will be very dreadful to those who have sinned away his gracious presence. (2.) His judicial approach to a dead declining people will be surprising; their deadness will keep them in security, and, as it procures an angry visit from Christ to them, it will prevent their discerning it and preparing for it. (3.) Such a visit from Christ will be to their loss; he will come as a thief, to strip them of their remaining enjoyments and mercies, not by fraud, but in justice and righteousness, taking the forfeiture they have made of all to him. 4. Our blessed Lord does not leave this sinful people without some comfort and encouragement: In the midst of judgment he remembers mercy (Rev 3:4), and here (1.) He makes honourable mention of the faithful remnant in Sardis, though but small: Thou hast a few names in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; they had not given into the prevailing corruptions and pollution of the day and place in which they lived. God takes notice of the smallest number of those who abide with him; and the fewer they are the more precious in his sight. (2.) He makes a very gracious promise to them: They shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy - in the stola, the white robes of justification, and adoption, and comfort, or in the white robes of honour and glory in the other world. They shall walk with Christ in the pleasant walks of the heavenly paradise; and what delightful converse will there be between Christ and them when they thus walk together! This is an honour proper and suitable to their integrity, which their fidelity has prepared them for, and which it is no way unbecoming Christ to confer upon them, though it is not a legal but a gospel worthiness that is ascribed to them, not merit but meetness. Those who walk with Christ in the clean garments of real practical holiness here, and keep themselves unspotted from the world, shall walk with Christ in the white robes of honour and glory in the other world: this is a suitable reward. III. We now come to the conclusion of this epistle, in which, as before, we have, 1. A great reward promised to the conquering Christian (Rev 3:5), and it is very much the same with what has been already mentioned: He that overcometh shall be clothed in white raiment. The purity of grace shall be rewarded with the perfect purity of glory. Holiness, when perfected, shall be its own reward; glory is the perfection of grace, differing not in kind, but in degree. Now to this is added another promise very suitable to the case: I will not blot his name out of the book of life, but will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Observe, (1.) Christ has his book of life, a register and roll of all who shall inherit eternal life. [1.] The book of eternal election. [2.] The book of remembrance of all those who have lived to God, and have kept up the life and power of godliness in evil times. (2.) Christ will not blot the names of his chosen and faithful ones out of this book of life; men may be enrolled in the registers of the church, as baptized, as making a profession, as having a name to live, and that name may come to be blotted out of the roll, when it appears that it was but a name, a name to live, without spiritual life; such often lose the very name before they die, they are left of God to blot out their own names by their gross and open wickedness. But the names of those that overcome shall never be blotted out. (3.) Christ will produce this book of life, and confess the names of the faithful who stand there, before God, and all the angels; he will do this as their Judge, when the books shall be opened; he will do this as their captain and head, leading them with him triumphantly to heaven, presenting them to the Father: Behold me, and the children that thou hast given me. How great will this honour and reward be! 2. The demand of universal attention finishes the message. Every word from God deserves attention from men; that which may seem more particularly directed to one body of men has something in it instructive to all.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:1-6 The letter to the church in Sardis warns Christians who are reputed to be spiritually alive (when actually dead) that without genuine transformation they face God’s judgment. 3:1 Sardis, nearly 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Smyrna on the southeast highway from Pergamum and Thyatira, was home to a large colony of prosperous Jews, called “Sephardic” after the city’s ancient name. Its fortified acropolis gave its inhabitants an overconfident sense of security. • a reputation for being alive—but you are dead: Other churches may have believed that the Sardian Christians comprised a dynamic church, but their secularism revealed their lack of spiritual life.
Revelation 3:1
To the Church in Sardis
1“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of the One who holds the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation for being alive, yet you are dead.2Wake up and strengthen what remains, which was about to die; for I have found your deeds incomplete in the sight of My God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Are You All In? - Haggai Part 2
By Francis Chan10K25:14HAG 1:2HAG 2:19MAT 13:441CO 15:19REV 3:1
This sermon emphasizes the importance of wholehearted commitment to God, using examples of individuals who turned their lives around to follow Him completely. It challenges listeners to evaluate if they are truly 'all in' for God, willing to sacrifice everything for His kingdom. The speaker reflects on the need for action and application of God's word in our lives, rather than just hearing and being complacent. The message highlights the urgency of prioritizing God's work and blessings over personal comfort and convenience.
Hearing Is a Divine Art - Take Heed How You Hear
By A.W. Tozer3.5K40:39HearingMAT 13:19LUK 8:5LUK 8:10JHN 21:16ACT 2:21JAS 2:17REV 3:1In this sermon, the preacher shares the parable of the sower from Luke 8. He explains that the sower represents God, and the seed represents the word of God. The different types of soil represent different responses to the word. Some people hear the word but allow it to be taken away by distractions or difficulties, while others receive it but allow worldly concerns to choke it. However, those who hear the word and hold onto it with a good heart will bear much fruit. The preacher emphasizes the importance of how we hear and receive the word, as it determines our eternal destiny.
How Blind Is the Church
By George Verwer2.5K42:12RevivalPSA 119:11JHN 14:15ACT 1:8EPH 5:18REV 3:1REV 3:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a genuine and passionate love for Jesus Christ. He warns against being complacent and distracted by worldly pursuits, urging listeners to prioritize their relationship with God. The preacher calls for a revolution in witnessing and a baptism of humility, highlighting the need for repentance and a humble heart. He also challenges the church to examine their ways and not be deceived by their own perceived righteousness, referencing Revelation 3:17 to illustrate the danger of spiritual blindness and self-sufficiency.
Awake From Death
By Shane Idleman2.2K51:27REV 3:1
This sermon delves into the churches in the book of Revelation, focusing on the church in Sardis as an example of spiritual deadness despite outward appearances. It emphasizes the need to return to one's first love, repent, and be watchful to avoid spiritual complacency. The speaker highlights the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, examining oneself, and strengthening areas of weakness to experience spiritual renewal and victory.
The Congregation of the Dead
By Carter Conlon2.0K52:37Revival1SA 3:19PRO 21:16ACT 21:11REV 3:1REV 3:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of going wherever God sends us to declare His goodness. He describes Shiloh as the place where the heart of God begins to work in believers, giving them discernment between good and evil. The preacher references the life of Solomon in the book of First Kings to illustrate how this discernment can be attained. The sermon concludes with a prayer for an anointing on the church and a reminder to remain watchful, strengthen what remains, and repent.
The Dreamer
By John Rhys Watkins1.7K52:46DreamsGEN 37:32CH 7:14PSA 27:8PSA 51:17MAT 15:91CO 9:27REV 3:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering to the will of God and living a selfless life. He uses the story of Joseph to illustrate how even in the face of adversity and unfulfilled dreams, we must remain faithful to God's promises. The preacher also highlights the need for revival in the church and urges believers to be honest with themselves and with God. He warns against being deceived by false movements and emphasizes the importance of manifesting the life of Christ to the world.
Religion: Form or Force?
By J. Glyn Owen1.5K46:26ReligionGEN 1:3MAT 6:33JHN 15:7ROM 4:17COL 3:162TI 3:5REV 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power that comes from having the almighty God dwell within our hearts. The Bible portrays this concept in various ways, such as God dwelling in us through His word. The consequences of having a form of religion without the power of God are tragic, as it misrepresents the gospel. The gospel is not just a moral philosophy, but good news that provides both the standard of God and the power to live according to it. The speaker encourages Christians to avoid those who have a form of godliness but deny its power.
Tokens of His Compassion - Part 8
By Leonard Ravenhill1.4K06:492CH 7:14PSA 34:18ISA 53:10MAT 9:36MAT 27:46LUK 23:39ROM 12:22CO 5:21JAS 4:8REV 3:1
This sermon delves into the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ, highlighting how He willingly endured damnation and the forsakenness of God on the cross, bearing the shame and condemnation for humanity's sins. The speaker emphasizes the need for a deep, emotional connection to the suffering of Christ and the urgency for genuine repentance and spiritual rebirth. It challenges the audience to consider the state of the church and the world, urging a revival of true faith and power in the midst of a spiritually decaying society.
Testimony of Jesus - Search for the Testimony
By Stephen Kaung1.3K1:15:15TestimonyEPH 2:1REV 1:13REV 2:8REV 2:12REV 2:18REV 3:1REV 3:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision of the Lord and the Church as God intends it to be. He refers to the seven golden landscapes representing the seven churches in Asia, which were meant to bear the testimony of Jesus. The speaker highlights that the Lord is constantly searching for his testimony among his people and measures the church based on it. He urges believers to repent if the testimony is distorted or lost and warns against substituting it with other things.
(Revival) Revival Presupposes Declension - Part 1
By Michael L. Brown1.3K27:25JDG 6:6HAB 3:2MAT 6:331CO 10:11REV 3:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the need for revival when the acts of God become only a memory. He refers to the book of Judges, specifically chapter six, to illustrate his point. The Israelites, who had been delivered from Egypt, were experiencing oppression from the Midianites for seven years. They were living in fear, hiding in mountain cliffs, caves, and strongholds, while their crops were constantly destroyed by the invaders. The preacher emphasizes the cycle of skepticism and unbelief that arises when people do not see the miraculous works of God in their lives. He concludes by highlighting Gideon's question to the angel of the Lord, expressing the Israelites' confusion and feeling of abandonment by God.
How Blind Is the Church?
By George Verwer1.2K41:09BlindnessMAT 6:33ACT 1:8REV 3:1REV 3:17In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of spiritual blindness among Christians. He highlights the hypocrisy of those who donate money to missionaries abroad but ignore the needs of their neighbors. He emphasizes the need for Christians to open their eyes and actively reach out to others for Christ. The speaker also urges parents to take action to prevent their children from deserting the faith, suggesting prayer, fasting, and crying out to God. He concludes by urging listeners to admit their deception, repent, and seek a deeper relationship with Jesus. The sermon draws on biblical passages, including Acts 17 and Revelation 3:17, to emphasize the importance of self-reflection and genuine faith.
Don't Be Lukewarm
By George Verwer1.1K43:22LukewarmnessREV 3:1In this sermon, the preacher starts by sharing a humorous anecdote about a young preacher who was preparing the congregation for a long sermon but was interrupted by someone asking for condensed milk instead. The preacher then references Revelation 3 and speaks about the importance of being watchful and allowing the Holy Spirit to control our lives. He emphasizes the need for believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit and not allow others to walk over them. The sermon concludes with a discussion on the mark of lukewarmness, which includes a lack of vision and goals in the Christian life. The preacher encourages listeners to have goals and aims, particularly in the area of world mission.
The Marks of a Christian
By A.W. Tozer1.0K53:00Christian2CO 5:17REV 3:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing a scene at a train station where a ticket taker is checking tickets. Despite facing unpleasant comments from the crowd, the ticket taker explains that his boss is watching him from a window on the 14th floor, and he must do his job diligently to please him. The speaker then transitions to discussing the power of persuasion and how it can influence the mind but not the heart. He prays for God's help in delivering a message as impactful as Stephen's, and urges the audience to consider their eternal destiny. The sermon concludes with a comparison between a baseball game and the gospel, emphasizing the importance of solving the problem of sin through faith in Christ.
Western Christianity
By George Verwer99546:27Western ChristianityMAT 6:33MAT 9:35MAT 9:37REV 3:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the twisted state of the world and the media's portrayal of it. He emphasizes the contrast between the negative aspects of society and the positive experiences at a conference where people of different races and backgrounds come together in harmony. The speaker criticizes modern music as a medium that goes beyond communication and influences young people to engage in immoral behavior. He highlights the transformative power of Jesus Christ and the testimonies of young people who have been saved from various backgrounds. The speaker encourages believers to actively engage in the spiritual battle and avoid becoming stagnant in their faith.
Why Sit Here Until We Die?
By Michael L. Brown9751:26:46PRO 16:9MAT 22:37MAT 28:191CO 1:27EPH 6:10REV 3:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experiences of preaching and teaching the word of God. He shares how he often feels inadequate and unsure of his knowledge, but is encouraged by the positive feedback he receives. The speaker then delves into the story of Joshua and Caleb from the book of Joshua, emphasizing their courage and faith in the face of giants. He also discusses the story of the Israelites escaping from the Egyptians, highlighting the importance of crying out to God in times of trouble. The sermon concludes with a reminder to continually seek wisdom and strive for spiritual growth, avoiding stagnation in our relationship with God.
Lukewarm No More - Part 4
By George Verwer95310:54LukewarmMAT 24:43REV 3:1REV 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of repentance in the Christian life. He quotes scripture that urges believers to hold fast and repent, warning that without repentance, there is no way forward in our spiritual journey. The speaker also discusses the message to the church of Laodicea, highlighting the need for personal revival. He then shifts the focus to the role of senders in fulfilling the Great Commission, emphasizing the need for churches and individuals to actively participate in sending missionaries. The sermon concludes with a story of a young man who was inspired to go to Central Asia as a missionary, but instead chose to support missions financially, becoming a hero in the speaker's eyes.
The Victor's Life and Power
By Paris Reidhead78350:40VictorREV 3:1In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a condemned man who refused to see a chaplain. Despite the man's resistance, one persistent preacher stayed and told him the old, old story of God's grace and love in Jesus Christ. The man was deeply moved by the story and acknowledged its truth, expressing that it was the most wonderful thing he had ever heard. The preacher then emphasizes the importance of watching one's faith, hope, and love, as these are essential for a genuine relationship with God. He warns against letting the truth of Scripture become mere words in our memory, and urges listeners to keep their hearts devoted to loving and glorifying God.
Building the Body of Christ - 9 Enoch and Noah Walked With God
By Zac Poonen70857:02GEN 5:22ECC 8:11LUK 21:20HEB 11:5REV 3:1REV 9:14
This sermon delves into the story of Enoch, the first preacher in the Bible who preached about the second coming of Christ and judgment against sin. It emphasizes the importance of walking with God, preaching against sin, and having a testimony that pleases God. The sermon highlights the need for believers to have faith, humility, and a focus on spiritual matters amidst a world filled with corruption and rebellion.
Is the Glory Departing
By George Verwer66834:16Glory Of GodMAT 6:33MAT 22:39ROM 12:2JAS 4:8REV 3:1REV 3:15In this sermon, the speaker addresses the struggle that many people face in trying to live a holy and righteous life while also feeling the pressure to reach the world for Christ. They emphasize the importance of spiritual preparation, prayer, and deep knowledge of the Word of God. The speaker highlights the need for love and humility in the Church, drawing parallels to the repeated command in the New Testament to love our neighbor as ourselves. They caution against becoming complacent or self-satisfied, using the example of the Church of Laodicea in the book of Revelation. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the importance of being filled with the Spirit of the Lord.
Jerusalem
By George Verwer65044:17PSA 69:29MAT 6:33REV 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and reaching out to the world population. He mentions the lack of geographical knowledge among evangelical Christians and highlights the need to switch our perspective and love all people. The speaker shares his personal experience of growing up in a non-Christian home but still receiving love from his parents. He then moves on to discuss the difference between having religion and having a genuine spiritual reality in one's life. He refers to Revelation chapter three, where it is mentioned that a church can have a reputation of being alive but be spiritually dead. The speaker concludes by stating that there are basic principles for spiritual growth that everyone can agree on, and it is important to focus on these principles rather than getting caught up in controversial issues.
Isaiah 12
By Hans R. Waldvogel62525:08Christian LifeEXO 3:7ISA 12:1JER 31:34MAT 24:12ROM 6:14REV 3:1REV 3:17In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who was transformed by the power of God. The man initially struggled with his faith but eventually became filled with God's presence. The preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing the Lord and treasuring the voice of Jesus Christ. He also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in delivering and testing believers. The sermon encourages listeners to seek the living water of God and warns against substituting worldly distractions for the power of God.
Sardis: Reputation Without Spiritual Substance (Rev. 3:1-6)
By Mike Bickle231:05:49Repentance and RenewalSpiritual VitalityREV 3:1Mike Bickle addresses the church of Sardis, emphasizing the danger of having a reputation for being alive while being spiritually dead. He highlights the need for the church to remember their past revival experiences and to cultivate a vibrant prayer life to avoid losing their spiritual vitality. Bickle calls for repentance and a return to the heart of God, warning that failure to do so may lead to loss of reward and recognition in the age to come. He reassures that Jesus, who holds the seven spirits, is ready to empower them to overcome and regain their spiritual fervor.
Can a Dead Church Be Revived?
By Shane Idleman1849:27RevivalSpiritual AwakeningREV 3:1Shane Idleman addresses the critical state of the church in his sermon 'Can a Dead Church Be Revived?', emphasizing that many churches and Christians are spiritually dead due to pride and apathy. He calls for a revival that requires humility, repentance, and a return to a vibrant faith filled with love and action. Idleman stresses that God can revive even the most lifeless church if they are willing to embrace the truth and engage in spiritual warfare. He encourages believers to strengthen their faith and remain watchful, reminding them that God is still in control and has the power to bring life to the dead. Ultimately, he reassures that revival is possible for those who seek it earnestly.
Flatline Faith: Awake From Death
By Shane Idleman1151:28The Importance of Love in FaithSpiritual AwakeningREV 3:1Shane Idleman addresses the spiritual condition of the church in Sardis, emphasizing the danger of being outwardly active yet inwardly dead. He draws parallels between Sardis and modern churches, warning that a focus on truth can lead to a hard heart devoid of love and joy. Idleman encourages believers to awaken from spiritual lethargy, strengthen what remains, and return to their first love for Christ. He stresses the importance of genuine faith and repentance, urging the church to be the conscience of the nation rather than an irrelevant social club. The sermon serves as a call to spiritual resuscitation and a reminder of the urgency of being watchful and prepared for Christ's return.
Watch
By Tom Macartney1ISA 62:6MAT 24:10MAT 26:38MRK 13:33LUK 21:34ACT 20:171CO 16:13EPH 6:13HEB 1:14REV 3:1Tom Macartney preaches on the importance of watchfulness in the scriptures, emphasizing the need for vigilance, wakefulness, and spiritual alertness in our devotion to the Lord. He explores various contexts where the concept of 'watch' is mentioned, such as the second coming of Jesus, the connection between watching and praying, standing firm in the faith, and the dangers of having a reputation without true spiritual life. The sermon delves into the role of spiritual responsibility and service in the church, the significance of unseen angelic allies, and the necessity of watching in times of testing and evil days.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The seven Spirits, of God - See the note on Rev 1:4, Rev 1:16 (note), etc. Thou hast a name that thou livest - Ye have the reputation of Christians, and consequently of being alive to God, through the quickening influence of the Divine Spirit; but ye are dead - ye have not the life of God in your souls, ye have not walked consistently and steadily before God, and his Spirit has been grieved with you, and he has withdrawn much of his light and power.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write,.... Of the city of Sardis See Gill on Rev 1:11 when, and by whom this church was founded, and who was the present angel or pastor of it, is not now to be certainly known; however, here was a church in the "second" century, of which Melito was then pastor; and he is thought by some to be the angel here intended; this man wrote upon the book of the Revelation, and an apology for the Christians, sent to the Emperor Antoninus Verus, in whose time he lived (c); and in the "third" century a church remained in this place; and also in the "fourth", as appears from the council of Nice, which makes mention of it; and likewise in the "fifth", as is evident from the acts of the synod at Chalcedon, in which age it was the metropolitan church of the Lydians; and in the "sixth" century there was a bishop of this church in the fifth synod at Constantinople; and in the "seventh" century, Marinus bishop of Sardis assisted at the sixth synod in the same place; and in the "eighth" century, Euthymius bishop of it was present in the Nicene synod; and even in the "ninth" century mention is made of an archbishop of Sardis (d): but now there are but very few Christians to be found here, and who have not a place to worship in, nor any to minister to them (e). This church represents the state of the church from the time of the Reformation by Luther and others, until a more glorious state of the church appears, or until the spiritual reign of Christ in the Philadelphian period; under the Sardian church state we now are: (this was published in 1747, Ed.) that this church is an emblem of the reformed churches from Popery, is evident not only from its following the Thyatirian state, which expresses the darkness of Popery, and the depths of Satan in it; but from its being clear of Balaam, and those that held his doctrine; and from the Nicolaitans and their tenets, and from Jezebel, and those that committed adultery with her; things which the two former churches are charged with; but from these the present church reformed. This city of Sardis was once a very flourishing and opulent city; it was the metropolis of Lydia, and the royal seat of the rich King Croesus, though now a very poor and mean village; and may denote the magnificence and splendour of this church state, at least in name and figure, it has appeared in, in the world; though now in a very low and mean condition, and may be worse before the spiritual reign of Christ begins in the next period: there may be some allusion in the name of this church to the precious stone "sarda", which, Pliny says (f), was found about Sardis, and had its name from hence; the same with the Sardian stone in Rev 4:2. This stone, naturalists say (g), drives away fear, gives boldness, cheerfulness, and sharpness of wit, and frees from witchcrafts and sorceries; which may be expressive of the boldness and courage of the first reformers; of the cheerfulness, joy, and pleasure, which appeared in their countenances, and which they spread in others by preaching the doctrines of the Gospel; and of those excellent gifts and talents both of nature, learning, and grace, by which they were fitted for their service; and of their being a means of delivering men from the witchcrafts of Jezebel, and the sorceries of the whore of Rome: and perhaps some allusion may be in this name, as is thought by Cocceius, to the Hebrew word "sarid", which signifies a "remnant", since in this church state there was a remnant according to the election of grace, a few names, whose garments were undefiled; or to the word "sered", which signifies a carpenter's rule or line; since the first reformers were endeavouring to bring every doctrine and practice to the rule and line of God's word: these things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God; the fulness and perfection of the gifts and graces of the Spirit of God, as in Rev 1:4, which Christ, as Mediator, has without measure, and are at his dispose, and which he, having received for men, gives unto them; and at the time of the Reformation bestowed them on many eminent servants of his in a very plenteous manner; for which reason he assumes this character in writing to this church: and the seven stars; the ministers of the Gospel; see Gill on Rev 1:16, Rev 2:1; these were filled by Christ at this time with evangelical light and knowledge; and were sent, and held forth by him as lights in the world; and were instruments in his hand for great good; and were wonderfully held, kept, and preserved by him, notwithstanding the greatness of their work, their weakness in themselves, and the power, rage, and fury of the antichristian party; Luther is a remarkable instance of this: Christ's making use of the same title here as in the epistle to the church at Ephesus, which represents the apostolic church, may show that this church state bore some degree of likeness to that, and that it was a sort of renewing of it: I know thy works; good works chiefly; the nature and imperfection of them; and also bad works: that thou hast a name that thou livest: the reformed churches have had a name for spiritual living, by faith on Christ's righteousness only for justification, that article being the great article of the Reformation: there was in them an appearance of liveliness, by their zeal for Gospel doctrine and worship, and a form of living according to godliness; they were esteemed, were celebrated, and famous for these things, especially for living by faith on Christ's righteousness: and art dead; or "but art dead"; for, the most part, or greater part of the members of these churches, are dead in trespasses and sins; and as for the rest, they are very dead and lifeless in their frames, in the exercise of grace, and in the discharge of duties; and under great spiritual declensions and decays, just as it were ready to die; and but few really alive in a spiritual sense, and especially lively, or in the lively exercise of grace, and fervent discharge of duty; yea, dead as to those things in which they had a name to live: and this seems to be our case now, who, it is to be hoped, are at, or towards the close of this period, (c) Euseb. Eccl. Hist. l. 4. c. 13. 26. & l. 5. c. 24. (d) Hist. Eccl. Magdeburg. cent. 3. c. 2. p. 3. cent. 4. c. 2. p. 3. cent. 5. c. 2. p. 3. c. 7. p. 418. cent. 6. c. 2. p. 4. cent. 7. c. 2. p. 3. c. 10. p. 254. cent. 8. c. 2. p. 4. cent. 9. c. 3. p. 3. (e) Smith. Notitia, p. 138. (f) Nat. Hist. l. 37. c. 7. Albert. Magn. de Reb. Metall. l. 2. c. 17. (g) Ruaeus de Gemmis, l. 2. c. 6. Albert. Magn. de Rebus Metall. l. 2. c. 17. Schroder. Pharmacopoeia, l. 3. c. 5. p. 18.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, I. The preface, showing, 1. To whom this letter is directed: To the angel of the church of Sardis, an ancient city of Lydia, on the banks of the mountain Tmolus, said to have been the chief city of Asia the Less, and the first city in that part of the world that was converted by the preaching of John; and, some say, the first that revolted from Christianity, and one of the first that was laid in its ruins, in which it still lies, without any church or ministry. 2. By whom this message was sent - the Lord Jesus, who here assumes the character of him that hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars, taken out of Rev 1:4, where the seven spirits are said to be before the throne. (1.) He hath the seven spirits, that is, the Holy Spirit with his various powers, graces, and operations; for he is personally one, though efficaciously various, and may be said here to be seven, which is the number of the churches, and of the angels of the churches, to show that to every minister, and to every church, there is a dispensation and measure of the Spirit given for them to profit withal - a stock of spiritual influence for that minister and church to improve, both for enlargement and continuance, which measure of the Spirit is not ordinarily withdrawn from them, till they forfeit it by misimprovement. Churches have their spiritual stock and fund, as well as particular believers; and, this epistle being sent to a languishing ministry and church, they are very fitly put in mind that Christ has the seven spirits, the Spirit without measure and in perfection, to whom they may apply themselves for the reviving of his work among them. (2.) He hath the seven stars, the angels of the churches; they are disposed of by him, and accountable to him, which should make them faithful and zealous. He has ministers to employ, and spiritual influences to communicate to his ministers for the good of his church. The Holy Spirit usually works by the ministry, and the ministry will be of no efficacy without the Spirit; the same divine hand holds them both. II. The body of this epistle. There is this observable in it, that whereas in the other epistles Christ begins with commending what is good in the churches, and then proceeds to tell them what is amiss, in this (and in the epistle to Laodicea) he begins, 1. With a reproof, and a very severe one: I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Hypocrisy, and a lamentable decay in religion, are the sins charged upon this church, by one who knew her well, and all her works. (1.) This church had gained a great reputation; it had a name, and a very honourable one, for a flourishing church, a name for vital lively religion, for purity of doctrine, unity among themselves, uniformity in worship, decency, and order. We read not of any unhappy divisions among themselves. Every thing appeared well, as to what falls under the observation of men. (2.) This church was not really what it was reputed to be. They had a name to live, but they were dead; there was a form of godliness, but not the power, a name to live, but not a principle of life. If there was not a total privation of life, yet there was a great deadness in their souls and in their services, a great deadness in the spirits of their ministers, and a great deadness in their ministrations, in their praying, in their preaching, in their converse, and a great deadness in the people in hearing, in prayer, and in conversation; what little life was yet left among them was, in a manner, expiring, ready to die. 2. Our Lord proceeds to give this degenerate church the best advice: Be watchful, and strengthen the things, etc., Rev 3:2. (1.) He advises them to be upon their watch. The cause of their sinful deadness and declension was that they had let down their watch. Whenever we are off our watch, we lose ground, and therefore must return to our watchfulness against sin, and Satan, and whatever is destructive to the life and power of godliness. (2.) To strengthen the things that remain, and that are ready to die. Some understand this of persons; there were some few who had retained their integrity, but they were in danger of declining with the rest. It is a difficult thing to keep up to the life and power of godliness ourselves, when we see a universal deadness and declension prevailing round about us. Or it may be understood of practices, as it follows: I have not found thy works perfect before God, not filled up; there is something wanting in them; there is the shell, but not the kernel; there is the carcase, but not the soul - the shadow, but not the substance. The inward thing is wanting, thy works are hollow and empty; prayers are not filled up with holy desires, alms-deeds not filled up with true charity, sabbaths not filled up with suitable devotion of soul to God; there are not inward affections suitable to outward acts and expressions. Now when the spirit is wanting the form cannot long subsist. (3.) To recollect themselves, and remember how they have received and heard (Rev 3:3); not only to remember what they had received and heard, what messages they had received from God, what tokens of his mercy and favour towards them, what sermons they had heard, but how they had received and heard, what impressions the mercies of God had made upon their souls at first, what affections they felt working under their word and ordinances, the love of their espousals, the kindness of their youth, how welcome the gospel and the grace of God were to them when they first received them. Where is the blessedness they then spoke of? (4.) To hold fast what they had received, that they might not lose all, and repent sincerely that they had lost so much of the life of religion, and had run the risk of losing all. 3. Christ enforces his counsel with a dreadful threatening in case it should be despised: I will come unto thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know the hour, Rev 3:3. Observe, (1.) When Christ leaves a people as to his gracious presence, he comes to them in judgment; and his judicial presence will be very dreadful to those who have sinned away his gracious presence. (2.) His judicial approach to a dead declining people will be surprising; their deadness will keep them in security, and, as it procures an angry visit from Christ to them, it will prevent their discerning it and preparing for it. (3.) Such a visit from Christ will be to their loss; he will come as a thief, to strip them of their remaining enjoyments and mercies, not by fraud, but in justice and righteousness, taking the forfeiture they have made of all to him. 4. Our blessed Lord does not leave this sinful people without some comfort and encouragement: In the midst of judgment he remembers mercy (Rev 3:4), and here (1.) He makes honourable mention of the faithful remnant in Sardis, though but small: Thou hast a few names in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; they had not given into the prevailing corruptions and pollution of the day and place in which they lived. God takes notice of the smallest number of those who abide with him; and the fewer they are the more precious in his sight. (2.) He makes a very gracious promise to them: They shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy - in the stola, the white robes of justification, and adoption, and comfort, or in the white robes of honour and glory in the other world. They shall walk with Christ in the pleasant walks of the heavenly paradise; and what delightful converse will there be between Christ and them when they thus walk together! This is an honour proper and suitable to their integrity, which their fidelity has prepared them for, and which it is no way unbecoming Christ to confer upon them, though it is not a legal but a gospel worthiness that is ascribed to them, not merit but meetness. Those who walk with Christ in the clean garments of real practical holiness here, and keep themselves unspotted from the world, shall walk with Christ in the white robes of honour and glory in the other world: this is a suitable reward. III. We now come to the conclusion of this epistle, in which, as before, we have, 1. A great reward promised to the conquering Christian (Rev 3:5), and it is very much the same with what has been already mentioned: He that overcometh shall be clothed in white raiment. The purity of grace shall be rewarded with the perfect purity of glory. Holiness, when perfected, shall be its own reward; glory is the perfection of grace, differing not in kind, but in degree. Now to this is added another promise very suitable to the case: I will not blot his name out of the book of life, but will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Observe, (1.) Christ has his book of life, a register and roll of all who shall inherit eternal life. [1.] The book of eternal election. [2.] The book of remembrance of all those who have lived to God, and have kept up the life and power of godliness in evil times. (2.) Christ will not blot the names of his chosen and faithful ones out of this book of life; men may be enrolled in the registers of the church, as baptized, as making a profession, as having a name to live, and that name may come to be blotted out of the roll, when it appears that it was but a name, a name to live, without spiritual life; such often lose the very name before they die, they are left of God to blot out their own names by their gross and open wickedness. But the names of those that overcome shall never be blotted out. (3.) Christ will produce this book of life, and confess the names of the faithful who stand there, before God, and all the angels; he will do this as their Judge, when the books shall be opened; he will do this as their captain and head, leading them with him triumphantly to heaven, presenting them to the Father: Behold me, and the children that thou hast given me. How great will this honour and reward be! 2. The demand of universal attention finishes the message. Every word from God deserves attention from men; that which may seem more particularly directed to one body of men has something in it instructive to all.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:1-6 The letter to the church in Sardis warns Christians who are reputed to be spiritually alive (when actually dead) that without genuine transformation they face God’s judgment. 3:1 Sardis, nearly 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Smyrna on the southeast highway from Pergamum and Thyatira, was home to a large colony of prosperous Jews, called “Sephardic” after the city’s ancient name. Its fortified acropolis gave its inhabitants an overconfident sense of security. • a reputation for being alive—but you are dead: Other churches may have believed that the Sardian Christians comprised a dynamic church, but their secularism revealed their lack of spiritual life.